markets, parties and lost rings

Confession: The life of an expat in Indonesia can be sheltered. We exist in this English speaking bubble of work, home and a few “safe” other places (big western style malls, movie theaters showing Hollywood’s latest and familiar restaurants). We move between these places in air conditioned cars playing our favorite music on the CD player. The biking and walking we do is usually confined to the development we work in which is patroled by security gaurds, called satpams.

This Saturday morning, we asked Ibu Warshi (our maid) to take us to the small traditional market near our house. She has taken us to other larger traditional markets in Jakarta, but always by car. This market is close enough to walk (a mile one way), but feels a long way away from the familiarity of Lippo Village.

Here is a few photos and descriptions of the trip:

Walking to the market along a drainage ditch

(be thankful you can't see or smell the sweat dripping off me)

Eric in front of the market

Hope and vendor following a 30 cent sticker purchase

Ibu Warshi barters for fresh fruit

(she is wishing she left us at home about now)

Eric crosses narrow bridge on the way home

Neil and Ibu Warshi as we get closer to home

(Yes, Neil is taller than her)

End of the year party. As I am writing this, my year 12 students are one week into IB exams. On our last regular day of classes, we celebrated with food and games. I thought I'd share some of the fun:

Is it too cliche to play Monopoly at an Economics class party?

Consider this flavor for your next Super Bowl party!

I lost my wedding ring last Sunday in a story I'll let our friend, Kim White, tell in her blog. Just click on the link below:

http://trisandkim.blogspot.com/2009/05/ultimately-wet-sunday.html

Have a great week!